| Glossary of Eye Terminology
Amblyopia (lazy eye) – Decreased vision
in one or both eyes which cannot be attributed
to any eye disease or disorder. In this condition,
glasses or contact lenses will not help to fully
improve vision. Management may include polycarbonate
lenses to prevent injury to the least affected
eye, patching of the better eye and/or vision therapy.
Astigmatism - Light rays are focused at different
points before and/or after the retina thus causing
distant or near objects to appear distorted and
blurred. The most common form of astigmatism can
be attributed to an oblong or egg-shaped cornea.
Management includes glasses or contact lenses which
help by refocusing light back onto the retina.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – Inflammation
of the conjunctiva caused by allergens or pathogens
(such as a bacteria, fungus or virus). Symptoms
include discharge, grittiness, redness, swelling
and/or itching. Treatment may include prescription
eye drops depending on the cause. If you suspect
you or someone in your family has contracted conjunctivitis,
be sure to wash your hands frequently, change towels
and sheets often, discontinue contact lens wear
and have the affected person see the eye doctor
immediately.
Dilation – Eye drops are used to relax the
iris muscles thus causing the pupils to enlarge.
Dilating the pupils allows your eye doctor a better
view of the internal structures of your eye. The
American Optometric Association recommends healthy
individuals have a dilated fundus exam at least
every other year. Those persons with suspected
or diagnosed eye diseases, certain systemic diseases
(such as diabetes) or for those who are taking
certain prescription medications should be dilated
more frequently.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) – Light rays
are focused in back of the retina thus causing
near objects to appear blurred. Management includes
glasses or contact lenses which help by refocusing
light back onto the retina.
LASIK – Short for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis – Surgical
procedure in which a laser light is used to reshape
the cornea and allow light to focus properly on
the retina. Patients receiving LASIK can expect
to reduce and possibly eliminate their need for
glasses or contacts. As with any surgical procedure
there is some risk involved. However, choosing
an experienced surgeon can dramatically increase
your chances of success.
Myopia (nearsightedness) – Light rays are
focused in front of the retina thus causing distant
objects to appear blurred. Management includes
glasses or contact lenses which help by refocusing
light back onto the retina.
Strabismus (cross eye, eye turn or squint) – An
eye muscle imbalance causing one or both eyes to
turn inward or outward away from the direction
of fixation. Management of this condition may include
glasses, vision therapy and/or surgery to adjust
the alignment of the affected eye.
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